Dispersed Camping
Sheyenne National Grassland
Sheyenne National Grassland, near Lisbon, North Dakota, is a fantastic spot for those who appreciate the beauty of wide-open spaces and the tranquility of nature. This area allows for dispersed camping, giving you the freedom to set up camp wherever you find a suitable spot, as long as you follow the guidelines.
Visitors rave about the stunning tall grass prairie and the unique experience it offers compared to traditional forest camping. One camper described it as “a little paradise,” highlighting the beautiful sites and friendly rangers who are always ready to share their knowledge. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, with trails that lead you through picturesque landscapes, including a trek to Mirror Pond that many have enjoyed.
Amenities are minimal, but you can expect vault toilets and the chance to enjoy a campfire under the stars. Just be mindful of the local wildlife, as cattle roam the area, and you might encounter some along the trails. Campers have noted the peacefulness of the location, making it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Whether you're hiking, camping, or just soaking in the scenery, Sheyenne National Grassland offers a refreshing outdoor experience.
Description
Sheyenne National Grassland is located in southeastern North Dakota, comprising 70,180 acres (28,400 ha) of public land amid 64,769 acres (26,211 ha) of privately owned land. It is characterized by sandy soils, originally deposited as the delta of an ancient river as it emptied into glacial Lake Agassiz. Since that time, wind and rain have shaped the topography into a unique landscape ranging from flat deltaic plains to choppy sand dunes. It is the only National Grassland in the tallgrass prairie region of the United States. The grassland provides habitat for greater prairie chickens in North Dakota as well as several other sensitive species such as the Dakota skipper and Regal Fritillary. It also contains one of largest populations of the western prairie fringed orchid, which has been placed on the list of Threatened Species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Other unique plants found on the grassland include other orchids and ferns. The grassland is managed with prescribed grazing, fire, and mowing. These programs are all managed in cooperation with the local grazing association. Treatment of noxious weeds is also very important and is accomplished through herbicide application, biocontrol, and sheep grazing. Recreation opportunities abound throughout the grassland. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, hunting, camping, horseback riding, photography, and backpacking. See Activities section below for detailed descriptions. Some points of interest to visit while on the grassland include: Iron Springs creek, the Horseshoe Hills, Old Bridges, Owego Pioneer Cemetery, and an Old Fire Lookout Tower. The grassland is located in eastern Ransom and western Richland counties, about 12 miles (19km) east of the city of Lisbon. The grassland is administered by the Forest Service as part of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands from the Supervisor’s office in Bismarck, North Dakota. The local Sheyenne Ranger District office is located in Lisbon, North Dakota. Other places of interest in the vicinity of Sheyenne National Grassland include: The town of McLeod, North Dakota. Visitors can learn about the area’s history, including some of the Grassland’s history at the McLeod Museum Complex. The museum complex includes a Presbyterian Church built in 1909, the Soo Line Depot, a homestead house built in the late 1800s, and a one-room school house which operated from 1904-2002. McLeod is located three miles south of Highway 27 on County Road 54 or 149th Avenue SE. The Nature Conservancy operates Brown Ranchthrough their Sheyenne Delta office located just a few miles southwest of McLeod, ND. Some of this land is managed in conjunction with the Sheyenne National Grassland. Explore the Seven Wonders of Ransom County.
Location
Sheyenne National Grassland is located in North Dakota
Coordinates
46.44160008 N
97.32200018 W
Detours Nearby
Clausen Springs Park Campground
48 min away
Barnes County Park Clausen Springs Recreation Area
55 min away
Drive Time
- 47 min from Fargo
- 1 hr 47 min from Grand Forks
- 2 hrs 43 min from Bismarck
- 2 hrs 45 min from St. Cloud
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Showers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sheyenne National Grassland needs a permit.
